Bedford Harpur Square was packed with people on Thursday November 24th as BedfordBID declared: Christmas is unwrapped.

The critical date marked the start of late night seasonal shopping in the town and locked into the new national Black Friday promotions. The American idea has been taken up by UK retailers who want to capture shoppers as they collect their last monthly pay-cheque before Christmas actually arrives.

BedfordBID is on the case making sure families come into town for early shopping and keep coming back for all those Xmas Xtras.

The showcase included Storm Troopers Boogie Storm from Britain’s Got Talent, Santa and his real reindeer and a sing-a-long with the Bedford Rock Choir.

“We have never seen so many people in the town centre on this special day. They were there from mid afternoon to meet Santa, take a look at the shops, see the Star Wars show and then go off to the river to see the fireworks, which are also sponsored by town centre businesses,” said Christina Rowe Director of the BedfordBID.

All information about events in the town can be found on the BedfordBID website lovebedford.co.uk and there is plenty more to come.